Multi-material mirror system

• Main Authors: Carrigan, Keith, Silny, John F
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 29.12.2020
• Subjects: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICS; PHYSICS

A mirror system is disclosed. The mirror system can include a primary mirror, and a secondary mirror supported relative to the primary mirror. The primary mirror and the secondary mirror can have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). A negative CTE strut is also disclosed. The negative CTE strut can include a main body portion. The negative CTE strut can also include a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion disposed opposite one another about the main body portion and defining a strut length. The first and second coupling portions can each be configured to interface with an external structure. In addition, the negative CTE strut can include an offsetting extension member having a first end coupled to the main body portion and a second end coupled to the first coupling portion by an intermediate extension member. The first end can be between the first coupling portion and the second end. The first and second ends can define an offset length parallel to the strut length. When the negative CTE strut increases in temperature, the offset length can be configured to increase due to thermal expansion of the offsetting extension member sufficient to cause the strut length to decrease.